Cambridge's former MP has been named as the director of a new centre aiming to tackle key problems facing the modern world.

Dr Julian Huppert will lead Jesus College’s Intellectual Forum, which will focus on issues such as the future of work, how health and social care can be transformed over the coming decades, and what privacy means in a digital age.

Based at the college’s new West Court development, it will also run a number of public events.

A former research scientist before being elected as Lib Dem MP in 2010, Dr Huppert joins the college from the Cavendish Laboratory, where he was a lecturer working on science and technology policy.

He has previously worked on how unusual shapes of DNA are involved in controlling gene activity, with his work leading to the identification of a large number of potential targets for anti-cancer drugs.

Dr Huppert, who is seeking re-election for the Lib Dems at the next election, said: “I am delighted and honoured to be given this role. This new centre will provide a huge opportunity to really think deeply and for the long-term about the issues that matter now and over the decades to come.

"I am very much looking forward to working with academics, students, and many others from around the world on a wide variety of subjects and events. This is a chance to make a difference.”

Professor Ian White, master of Jesus College, said: "The founding director will work with students, academics, alumni and leaders across many fields from humanities to sciences, including governments, businesses, and charities.

"We were looking for someone who could work with others to identify topics important to our own time and the future, and build thematic programmes and discussions at the highest level.

“Julian Huppert is a polymath with an impressive track record and a huge range of relevant experience. We’re delighted that he will be joining Jesus College as the founding director of this centre.”